We, as Christians and members of Woodlawn United Church believe that marriage is a sacred covenant between God and two people who love each other. Since 2012, we are pleased to offer same sex weddings.

The wedding ceremony is a celebration and public declaration of this loving covenant and is therefore first and foremost a worship service. It is during this wedding service that these two individuals make vows to each other, before God, their families and friends, to live in a caring and loving relationship of inclusivity, openness, respect and equality with each other. Due to this sacred understanding of marriage and the wedding ceremony, we do not perform civil ceremonies.

We are pleased that you considering us for your wedding ceremony. We have prepared the following information to outline some of our guidelines, policies and fees. Please read it carefully before you decide to book your wedding date.

Once you have decided that you would like to be married at Woodlawn United Church, we ask that you contact the office to get an applicaiton for marriage. When the application is received at the church office, an appointment will be made with one of our Ministers. Your wedding date will be booked at this first meeting once the $100.00 is paid. This deposit is non-refundable but is deducted from the total amount owing. Please do not make any other arrangements regarding your wedding until the booking is confirmed.

The Ministerial staff, in consultation with the Council reserve the right to approve all marriage requests made of Woodlawn United Church.

FEE POLICY - Please contact the office for current fees.

Cheque or cash are accepted. These payments will be accepted in the church office anytime after booking is confirmed.

The Marriage License and all fees must be paid at least 30 days prior to the wedding date. This will give our administrators sufficient time to fill out the form and ensure that the legal documents are prepared for the wedding day. For more information on obtaingin a Marriage License you can visit the Access Nova Scotia Website.

Minister
Woodlawn United is blessed to have two Ministers that may perform the marriage ceremony; Reverend Phillip Kennedy and Reverend Mary Lynne Whyte. One of these ministers will preside over weddings celebrated at Woodlawn United Church. Other clergy may participate at the invitation of the presiding Minister.

The minister will meet with you at least twice prior to your wedding day, will preside over your rehearsal, wedding and handle the arrangements for your legal marriage certificate.

Our ministers offer a service of Christian Worship only.

Sanctuary
The sanctuary at Woodlawn United is surrounded by beautiful stained glass windows and modern wooden architecture. This sacred space has a seating capability of approximately 450 people.

The sanctuary will be available for a one hour long rehearsal. This is generally on the evening preceding your wedding. The Sanctuary is available one hour before your wedding and 1/2 hour after the ceremony. Please be considerate of these times when making your arrangements as there may be more than one wedding performed on this day.

Preparation Course
It is a requirement of Woodlawn United Church, that to be married here, you must have participated in a marriage preparation program. We are pleased to introduce a self-study program available to couples during your first meeting with the minister. This is an in-depth study course that you complete, at home, together as a couple. It covers a wide range of issues including: effective communication, conflict resolution, budget & finances and sexuality. This course is from the United Church of Canada and is called Passion & Freedom.

If you have taken another marriage preparation course in expectation of your marriage it may be acceptable. Please discuss this with the minister during your first meeting.

Music Fee
Our Director of Music, Robert (Bob) Rushton, is an accomplished musician and will help you with the selection of your music. All music selected for your wedding must be discussed with the minister and organist.

At your first meeting, the church will provide you with Bob's contact information. It is your responsibility to contact him to make further arrangements. Please be advised that our Director of Music has the right of first refusal.

Soloist

It is your decision whether or not you desire a soloist and it is your resonsibility to obtain someone and consult with the Director of Music.

Sound

Basic
We are very fortunate at Woodlawn to have a small team of dedicated, trained sound technicians. The technician will work with you, the minister and the musician(s) to ensure that everyone is wired for sound for your special day. The sound technician will also be available for the evening of your rehearsal. A CD of your wedding ceremony will be available to you as part of this service.

Basic Plus

If you require the sound technician for any music part of the ceremony i.e. CD's with special music.

Caretaker
Our caretaker ensures that the sanctuary and grounds are maintained in a way that reflects the importance of your wedding day. They will be first to arrive at the church on the evening of your rehearsal and on the day of your wedding to make sure everything is in order for you. The caretaker will ensure that the church is secured when all parties have left the building.

Photographer
Photographs may not be taken during the Worship service as this is a sacred time and should be observed as such. Photography is permitted during the processional, the signing of the registry and the recessional. A stationary videographer is allowed during the service. This person is set up in an unobtrusive location for the entire ceremony (in the choir loft or sound booth). The minister will remain to take pictures with the couple immdiately following the ceremony.

Decorations
Remember, this is a large sanctuary that is beautifully decorated according to the seasons. However, if decorations are placed in the church, please do not use thumbtacks, nails, staples or tape. Floral putty, elastic or ribbon is recommended.

Please arrange for your decorations to be removed from the sanctuary immediately following the ceremony.

There is no confetti, bird seed, rice or bubbles allowed inside the church. Bubbles may be used outside.